Not so little Christmas!

The last event on the Christmas calendar, Women’s Little Christmas or Nollaig na mBan, is set to be one of the busiest ever when it takes place this Saturday 6 January.

Although traditionally it was a reward and time off for the work women had done over the festive season, these days it’s just an opportunity to celebrate with female friends and family.

And from charity fundraisers to tribute bands or a sauna and a quick dip in the sea, there’s plenty happening in Leeside for the ladies this weekend.

One of the major events will be the Cork Simon Women’s Christmas Lunch. The charity lunch began in 2004, and this year’s event will take place at the Maryborough Hotel & Spa in Douglas this Saturday.

“Style Coach Sharon Huggard will be the keynote speaker, music will be by the Loungeman, and we anticipate an attendance of 340 people at the event,” said a Simon spokesperson.

“It's a celebration of women; women helping women, women enjoying women and women doing something for the homeless women of Cork city.”

Marguerite O’Connor of the ABBA Super Troopers tribute act who will play The Pav this Saturday at 7pm, says she is really looking forward to performing for a home crowd for Nollaig na mBan.

“It's a great end to a fantastic Christmas run for us, where we've been touring around the country, so we love to be back home celebrating with everyone,” she said.

She says that Women's Little Christmas is an enjoyable night with people in high spirits and an electric atmosphere.

“It's always great fun! These events tend to be well organised, and the women (and sometimes men) of Cork come out to celebrate and let their hair down after a busy Christmas period,” she said.

“I think the true origins of it was about celebrating the work and time put into to Christmas by women which isn't as relevant now,” she added.

But I think it's still fun that people like to maintain as a tradition, and like to have an event to look forward to as well before the year returns to normal,” she added.

The Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig are also gearing up for a very special evening with a 5 course gourmet menu on offer with a glass of bubbles and live entertainment on the night.

Aoife Lohse, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager at the hotel said after a few quiet years due to Covid, that she expects a big turnout with their restaurant already almost full.

Following the success of their recent Cork Opera House live podcast, Brenda and Julie, co-hosts of the Left On Read Podcast will host Women’s Little Christmas Party where Cork International Hotel will be transformed into “a '90s party paradise, with bingo, spot prizes and special guests”.

And for fans of 1980s pop, there will be a George Michael tribute act, James Bermingham, who will perform at 7pm in Cyprus Avenue, and promises to “sound and look close to George Michael”.

Finally, If you've had enough of the holiday excess and prefer a return to nature for relaxation, consider enjoying a beachside sauna with friends at Wild Wellness in Garrettstown. There are still available slots, and you can follow it up with a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.